LIVINGSTON, Ala.— The University of West Alabama volleyball team is set to open its 2025 season this Friday at the North Greenville Tournament in Tigerville, SC, with a fresh start and a brand-new look. After finishing with just two wins last season, the Tigers enter the new year with an entirely rebuilt roster and a renewed sense of direction.
Leading the way are newcomers Cadence Goeden, Jana Petkovic, and Klára Bobánová, each of whom earned a spot on the Gulf South Conference Newcomer Watchlist.
Junior outside hitter Cadence Goeden is expected to make an immediate impact on the offensive side of the net. Transferring from Pensacola State, Goeden brings proven production with 553 kills, 183 digs, and 96 blocks across two seasons in Florida. She comes off a breakout year in which she tallied a career-high 336 kills on a .237 hitting percentage, earning Second Team All-Conference honors.
Running the offense will be setter Jana Petkovic, who is expected to take on a heavy workload right away. The 5'9" product of Serbia joins UWA after competing for ŽOK Novi Sad, where she established herself as one of the top young setters in the region. In 2022, she was recognized as the Best Setter in Vojvodina after guiding her team to a runner-up finish in the Super Serbian League.
Klara Bobánová adds size (6 ft), athleticism, and a winning pedigree to the Tigers' roster. The outside hitter gained valuable experience competing for UNIZA Žilina, UKF Nitra, and Slávia Bratislava in Slovakia, consistently playing at a high level. Bobánová has appeared in championship matches in both the Slovak League and Slovakia Cup while also earning three third place finishes in the Junior League.
Alongside these newcomers, UWA will rely on key returners Maggie Roddam and KB Kinney to provide leadership and experience.
Head coach Ed Allen said of his team's preparation: "We are excited to begin a new era in West Alabama volleyball. We have had a productive recruiting class with strides made over the past two weeks of training. Anxious to see the progress against competition this weekend."
The Tigers will begin tournament play this weekend, opening against Fayetteville State University on Friday, Sept. 5. The Broncos come into the tournament with momentum after an impressive 18-5 season last year, which included a run to the conference championship. Their bid fell short, however, as they dropped a 3-0 decision to Shaw in the CIAA title match. Fayetteville State returns key players Jasmine Culp, Amihan Johnson, and Chiara Vittoni, all named to the CIAA Preseason Poll.
Next, the Tigers will face North Greenville University, who finished 18-24 last season and earned a spot in the Conference Carolinas Tournament. Their postseason run ended with a 3-0 loss to Converse University.
Lastly, UWA will face the Mars Hill Tigers, who went 17-10 in 2024, reaching the SAC Semifinals for the first time in over a decade. Senior libero Laela Jimenez was named to the 2025 Preseason All-First Team, while teammates Loana Poenaru and Alyssa Korne were named Players to Watch.
The 2025 season opens a new chapter for West Alabama volleyball, blending talented newcomers with experienced returners ready to make their mark. Fans can follow the Tigers throughout the weekend as they take on Fayetteville State, North Greenville, and Mars Hill at the North Greenville Tournament in Tigerville, SC.
